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THE Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) tackled on April 24 potential challenges facing the island municipalities in Southern Mindanao in the upcoming midterm elections.
Westmincom commander Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete said the command has been focused on deployment strategies, contingency plans and operational requirements of units during the elections, particularly in Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.
Westmincom spokesman Col. J-Jay Javines said in a report that Nafarrete cited challenges such as limited transport for the distribution and retrieval of election paraphernalia.
Westmincom also raised concerns on the deployment of security personnel, unreliable communication signals and lack of power in polling centers, among others.
With 14 days before the elections, Nafarrete previewed and assessed readiness of Joint Task Force Orion during a conference held at the 1102nd Infantry Brigade Headquarters in Camp Aka, Barangay Bual, Luuk, Sulu.
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The session, led by Maj. Gen. Leonardo Peña, commander of the 11th Infantry Division and JTF Orion, brought together the commanders of 1101st, 1102nd and 1103rd Infantry Brigades who laid down their respective action plans for the elections.
Nafarrete gathered several military commanders under his command on April 23 to formulate effective and efficient strategy applications.
In both conferences, Nafarrete emphasized the importance of proactive and scenario-based planning to identify gaps and challenges in security operations to enhance operational readiness.
He directed the deployment of additional Quick Response Forces to ensure enough personnel are available for election-related duties.
He urged all commanders to integrate lessons learned from previous elections to better understand the security situation during the election and foresee possible occurrences of similar election-related incidents in the past.
Close coordination shall also be made with local government units and partner agencies — including the Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, City and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices, and other relevant stakeholders — to secure additional water transport assets and ensure the timely delivery of election materials and personnel to remote island polling precincts.
Nafarrete reiterated that security and contingency plans must anticipate potential threats and include flexible, comprehensive measures to prevent disruptions in the conduct of elections.
He stressed the need for continuous refinement of operational strategies and highlighted that preparedness, vigilance and interagency collaboration are key to securing the democratic and free electoral process in the region.
Nafarrete said troops should remain professional, apolitical and nonpartisan during the election period.
"As the nation prepares for the 2025 elections, Westmincom's sustained, coordinated and forward-looking planning demonstrates its steadfast dedication to safeguarding democracy," said Nafarrete.
"These conferences do not only strengthen the Armed Forces' operational readiness for the electoral process but also reaffirm its commitment in maintaining peace and order during this pivotal event," he said.
